Friday, May 30, 2008

Blogging will be light. I'm off to my sister's in Annapolis for her annual Crawfish boil..MMMM-MMM GOOOD!

Friday's VCDL meeting went well. We had a nice crowd of about 35-40 people attending. Topeka's hosted us for fine dining and fellowship after the meeting. The VCDL site can do better justice to the topics covered.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

I don't know if I want to rant and then post the article, or post the article and then rant.

Christianity as practised by most requires we spread the Word. That is a precept of Christ's teachings, and it has gotten people hung, drawn and quartered, beheaded or crucified, sometimes upside down. The major difference between Islam and Christianity is the manner in which it is presented to the people the practitioners wish to convert.Islam leaves the person no choice. Convert or die.Christianity, on the other hand, simply says that Christ died for our sins, and while accepting that on faith will probably get you into Heaven, there are no garauntees. It comes down to free will. God has given us free will. We have a choice. We can believe or not, and the ministers and pastors and rabbi's and priests will not order the congregation to stone the ones who refuse to accept the invitation.I can't tell you the number of times I have stood on my porch and talked with Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and members of local churches who were out spreading the Word and inviting people to come listen and give their particular belief system a chance.Not one single time did I feel threatend or humiliated by the encounter. Not once did I feel as if I were being forced to convert.

FALLUJAH, Iraq - At the western entrance to the Iraqi city of Fallujah on May 27, Muamar Anad handed his residence badge to the U.S. Marines guarding the city. They checked to be sure that he was a city resident, and when they were done, Anad said, a Marine slipped a coin out of his pocket and put it in his hand. Out of fear, he accepted it, Anad said. When he was inside the city, the college student said, he looked at one side of the coin. "Where will you spend eternity?" it asked.

He flipped it over, and on the other side it read, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16."

Now residents of the city are abuzz that some Americans whom they consider occupiers are also acting as Christian missionaries. Residents said some Marines at the western entrance to their city have been passing out the coins for two days in what they call a "humiliating" attempt to convert them to Christianity.

"The occupier is repeatedly trespassing on God and his religion," said Omar Delli, 23. "Now the occupier is planting seeds of strife between the Muslims and Christians. We demand the government in Fallujah have a new demonstration to let the occupier know that these things are humiliating Islam and the Quran."

This is wrong on so many levels I don't even know where to start. First, the writer failed to capitalize "his" when he used it in reference to God. Next, this moooslim is assuming that God only has one religion, and that is where my problem with this begins, but it goes much deeper. This is arrogance of the first order. This borders on pride, and God does not appreciate pridefulness.Second, "planting the seeds of strife" as this little twit puts it, is just beyond anything I could imagine. The only religion that creates strife is Islam. They are the ones who force conversion, not Christianity, not Judaism, not Bhuddaism. Islam is the ONLY religion unwilling to recognize other religions.

Here's some more:

"Iraq is investigating a report that U.S. military personnel in Fallujah handed-out material that is religious and evangelical in nature," said Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, a U.S. military spokesman, in a statement e-mailed to McClatchy Newspapers. "Local commanders are investigating since the military prohibits proselytizing any religion, faith or practices."In interviews, residents of Fallujah repeated two words - "humiliation" and weakness". "Because we are weak this is happening," said a shop owner who gave his name as Abu Abdullah. "Passing Christianity this way is disrespectful."

Hey, Sparky, here's a little tip:beheadings and bombing innocent women and children is dis-respectful. Stoning women in the street is dis-respectful, killing to further a belief in a pedophilic false prophet is dis-respectful.You don't want to convert, fine. Throw the coin in the trash and go about your business.You're the one that will burn in Hell, not me, (although I do have an ass-chewing coming)

One last little tip to any Marine who might be reading this, in spite of the respect I have for you for trying to spread God's message, Christ admonished His disciples on two key points:

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

To any readers that are supporters of the 2nd Amendment (and if you aren't, which other rights do you not support? Just curious...) the Virginia Citizens Defense League is meeting in Richmond tomorrow night. All are welcome, whether you agree with CCW or not. Never carried a weapon? Don't know anyone who does? Curious? C'mon on down!

The meeting will be held at the Tuckahoe Library, off of Parham Road, near Regency Mall.Coming from 64 - head south on Parham Road and take a right on Starling. Its the same road as the Post Office. You will see a Walgreens on your right and then a McDonalds. Make your turn after the McDonalds at the Topeka Steak House.

From South side, take Chippenham across the Bridge until the road turns to Parham. Go past Regency Mall. Take a left at the light at Starling. There will be a Topeka Steak House on your left at the light.

From the VCDL email:Richmond VCDL membership meeting set for Thursday, May 29th, at 7:00 PM, ending at 8:30 PM. Executive member Leonard Harris has arranged for VCDL to have the use of a meeting room at the lavish Tuckahoe Area Library in Henrico County (only the best for you guys!). This is the same location where we have held the several Richmond meetings. Fellowship will start at 6:30 PM. The meeting is open to the public, so bring along family and friends! The address is: Tuckahoe Area Library 1901 Starling Drive Richmond VA 23229 Ph: (804) 270-9578 After the meeting we will adjourn to a local restaurant for continued fellowship. The restaurant does serve alcohol, so open carry will be required for those who chose to carry there.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Another sleepless night for meAlone upon our bedI see again his every moveAnd those last words he said.So proud he looked in uniformConvinced that he was rightHe had to go, for duty calledThere was a war to fight.

Those last few days before he leftI hid the pain insideWe talked and loved and even jokedHe never knew I cried.And when the dreaded moment cameHe kissed me tenderlyHis eyes met mine, and then he said,"I'll be all right, you'll see."

I tried to smile and nod my headAfraid to let him seeThe terror that I feared if heDid not come back to me.His precious children hugged his neckHe told them to be goodAnd help their mommy out at homeAnd mind her like they should

They were too young to realizeThat Dad would not be thereTo tuck them in their beds at nightOr listen to their prayers.I see him as he walked awayI tried to say "good-bye"But words were trapped within my throatAll I could do was cry.

The weeks have stretched now into monthsAnd every night I prayThat God will keep him in His careAnd bring him home one day.I do not moan beneath the loadOf all that I must doMy children will see strength in meUntil this war is through.

At last I drift off into sleepIn dreams I see him moreI turn around and smile to hearHis footsteps at the door.Restless I sleep, and then I wakeNot opening my eyesI move my hand to reach for himBut no one near me lies.

I will not give in to despairWith each new day I'll copeFor I know he would want me toBe brave and live with hope.

I hear the voices loud and strongWho criticize the warWhile yelling men are fools to goThey stay on freedom's shore.

A man who cowers under fearWill die a thousand deathsWhile men like mine for freedom fightAnd offer their last breaths.

I hope perhaps in fifty yearsWhen men remember warThey won't forget the wives who dreamedOf footsteps at the door.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Sitting here in sunny Maricopa, enjoying the company of two of the finest individuals I've ever met, The Divas have gone above and beyond to make my visit enjoyable.The flight from Richmond was a nightmare. First time on a plane since 1990, and I now remember why I hate to fly. The take-offs are fine, the landings cause me to go white-knuckle armrest grip. More on that later.Friday I had the pleasure of meeting in person the young man who runs Modern Conservative. We had lunch together at his house where I also met his wife and their 2 1/2 year old, who is actually a little old man in a childs body. Extremely intelligent and wise. If you've ever heard a 2 1/2 use complete sentences and inform his Dad that the joke he just made was funny, but not THAT funny, you'll understand. Chris is a Warrior for the cause. He has some great ideas, and they will be forthcoming, as soon as he says it's OK. It was truly an honor to meet them and I consider them among my friends.Friday night we went to the Ak Chn Indian casino for dinner, and were looking for some diversion. Mrs. Diva is the social director and insists that my time here be as fulfilling as possible. The entertainment for the evening at the casino was a tribute to the Blues Brothers. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but being a Blues Brothers fanatic of the first order I was ready to watch. I was not disappointed. Video will be forthcoming. These guys were incredible. Made me believe it was Jake and Ellwood. Cartwheels and high kicks; nailed B-Movie Boxcar Blues, Flip Flop and Fly, I Ain't Got You, and I Got Everything I Need..(Almost)I highly recommend this show if you get the chance.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

If you are moved to patriotism, especially this Memorial Day, and wish to display the Flag,here are the rules......

Although it's unlikely that anybody will raise a fuss about how you fly the flag, its display and even your conduct regarding it is codified in national law. If you want to read the specifics, see U.S. Code, Title 36, Patriotic Societies and Observances, Chapter 10, Patriotic Customs.

So if you're flying the flag this Memorial Day--rather, if you're displaying it, that's the proper term--it couldn't hurt to display by the rules. Here, then, follows a brief summary of the U.S. Flag Code.

Flag HolidaysMemorial Day is a flag holiday--one of 17 days specifically designated in the code on which citizens are encouraged to display the flag, if they're not in the habit of doing so daily.

Flag holidays are as follows:1. New Year's Day - Jan. 12. Inauguration Day - Jan. 203. Lincoln's Birthday - Feb. 124. Washington's Birthday - third Monday in February5. Easter Sunday - (variable)6. Mother's Day - second Sunday in May7. Armed Forces Day - third Saturday in May8. Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) - last Monday in May9. Flag Day - June 1410. Independence Day - July 411. Labor Day - first Monday in September12. Constitution Day - Sept. 1713. Columbus Day - second Monday in October14. Navy Day - Oct. 2715. Veterans Day - Nov. 1116. Thanksgiving Day - fourth Thursday in November17. Christmas Day - Dec. 25

The code also urges citizens to display the flag on additional days that are proclaimed by the president of the United States, on days that commemorate the date in which their state was admitted to the union and on specific state holidays.

Manner of Display

• The flag should be hoisted briskly at dawn and lowered ceremoniously at dusk. The flag should be displayed at night only if it is lighted dramatically, as from below. To fly the flag at half-staff, raise it briskly to the top of the pole, keep it there for a moment and then lower it to half-staff. Before taking the flag down for the day, return it briefly to the top of the pole.

• The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is used.

• When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle, the union (the blue rectangle on which stars are embroidered or fastened) should be at the staff's peak, unless the flag is being flown at half-staff.

• When displayed horizontally against a wall the union should be to the left of the observer, looking from the street or in the audience. The same holds when a flag is displayed horizontally in a window. When the flag is displayed vertically against a wall, the union is also to the observer's left. Likewise, when a flag is hung vertically in a window.

• When displayed directly over a street, the flag is hung vertically, and it is centered in the street with the union aligned with the north or east. In a north/south street, this means the flag is hung across the street with the union on the east side of the street. Conversely, on an east/west street, the union is on the north side of the street.

• Never use the flag for advertising purposes, as drapery, linens or as clothing, or print it on items soon to be discarded--napkins and paper plates, for example. It should not be used as part of a uniform--athletic or otherwise, unless you are a member of the military, a patriotic organization, police force, fire department or rescue/ambulance squad.

• Never attach a flag directly to a vehicle or drape it over a vehicle. Instead, the flag should be attached to a staff secured to a vehicle's chassis or to the right front fender. The flag should be displayed on floats in a similar manner. When bunting is used for patriotic display instead of a flag, the colors are arranged from top to bottom: blue, white and red.

• Never display the flag in a manner in which it is easily damaged or with it touching the ground.

• Never display the flag upside down--as this is a distress signal.

In Patriotic ObservanceIn unabashedly old-fashioned and refreshingly blunt language the code calls on all those present to recognize the flag when it passes as part of a holiday parade:

• Stand.

• Place your right hand over your heart. And in particular, the code says: "Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart." Military personnel in uniform should "render the military salute."

Hi everybody. Weekend blogging will be lite for me. I've been in Myrtle Beach since Thursday enjoying some rare time off with my sport bike club during Bike Week. But, I try and take some time during each day and keep up with some of the happenings in the world.

Here is a list of links:

Noon:

Looks like after all their efforts to take firearms out of UK society, the "youths" in Britian are taking to carrying knives to kill each other. The moral of the story: evil will find a way. The conservative point: Banning an inanimate object (like guns, knives, etc.) will not stop people from killing each other. After the ban on knives (which may be coming, based on the hand-wringing tone of the article) they will kill each other with sticks. It's a "people" problem, not an "object-oriented" problem.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

The billionaire that went so far as to spend millions of his own money (thereby showing that he's more honest than a politician, at least) to protect a lying President and financing a left wing, subversive group to help. He further used his money to promote anti-American groups that professed to be against the war against terror.

Click on Archived Materials- Browse Archives - at the right of the screen

When the collection of video clips comes up, click on Page 2.You will see Member's Banquet.

Click on that. Watch through Governor Jindal's speech, which is excellent.Then wait for the best speech you will hear for the foreseeable future. Glenn Beck will make you proud to be an American and angry at what Washington has done to us. If he was running, he would get my vote.

Cheryl and Terry Blaskowski are the parents of Matthew Blaskowski, Battle Company 2-503 173DABCT KIA Afghanistan September 2007. They are attempting to organize a welcome home for the 2-503 when they re-deploy back to Vincenza Italy in August.Ya'll know I have been involved with helping Tankerbabe and a few others supporting the 2-503 and I'm not letting up until they are back to their Army assigned home.

I received TWO emails last night from Afghanistan. I felt like it was Christmas getting one much less two. One was from a leader of Chosen Company and said, in part, "We are safe, everything is very mellow here with a small firefight every now and again. I am enjoying the peace."

And one from Battle Company that said, in part,

"Greetings! It's been a while since I've said hello, so I thought I would let you all know how things are going here. Time continues to go by surprisingly fast here, almost a year already! Thank all of you so much for everything you have done for us this past year, it means SO MUCH to us knowning that there are PROUD AMERICANS like you that think about us. I must say, EVERYTIME I see someone from Battle company, they tell me to pass you THANKS for everything you've all been doing for them. I am certain that nothing any of you have ever sent here has gone to waste! Well, only three months left! I can't think of anything that anyone needs, but I'll let you know if I do"

HABBANIYAH, Iraq (May 12, 2008) -- Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1 of Waukegan, Ill., helped bridge a gap in the Iraqi logistical system to provide compensation for local prospective policeman and civil operations in the North of the Al Anbar Province, May 12. Mobile Assault Platoon 3 (MAP 3) is the Iraqi Police transition team for Weapons Company. Their duties include going on partnered patrols with the emerging security forces in the area, helping them establish logistical and operational readiness, and providing them with a beacon of professionalism to emulate.

The platoon lives in a joint combat operations post with the security forces and conducts numerous trips throughout the week to the local police station to ensure that it is in good, working condition and the policemen manning the station have no reasonable qualms. MAP 3 has been tasked with this mission because their Marines and leadership have the maturity and tactical experience that is required of a partnered unit.

Today was a day that everyone enjoys, payday. The police officers have been working tenaciously for their area without pay or due compensation. They have manned posts on traffic control points, completed mounted and dismounted patrols, and most importantly kept their homes and area safe from insurgent attacks and intimidation without knowing when they were going to get paid.

However, today was a good day for the police officers because MAP 3 went through the channels of bureaucracy and locked on payment for these warriors. MAP 3 spent the day paying jubilant policemen and providing them with funding for the further protection of their station. Additionally, MAP 3 met with the local sheik and provided him with compensation for water deliveries in the area and protection of the local government center from foreign threats.

All in all, it was an extremely productive day for MAP 3. They solidified the working relationship with the local security officials and built upon their strong bond with the local political leader through providing necessary reimbursement for civil projects.

Having a platoon capable of working with the local forces and excelling at it is every commander's dream in this austere environment. MAP 3 has done an exceptional job with this task and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. The country of Iraq needs a functional and completely operational security force for the protection of their people and infrastructure. MAP 3 is the tip of the spear with this effort in Weapons Company.

“Hillary would add no votes to Obama; she would dog his campaign with scandal; she would be disloyal in office; and her husband would be, at best, a huge distraction. Case closed.”

My favorite quote:

“Voters only credit Hillary with having experience when her record is compared with Obama’s almost total lack of a record.”

Ouch!

While we are on the subject of Hillary’s experience at running the country, let me re-iterate something I have previously said. Hillary has never been president before, yet she touts her foreign policy experience, the bamboozled universal healthcare attempt, and other assorted “favorites” as signs of her experience in office. Hillary, as First Lady, should never have been involved in any foreign policy to begin with. She had no credentials, nor experience to do these things, and was neither hired as a consultant/employee (nor should she have been because of her marital connection to a sitting president), NEITHER WAS SHE ELECTED TO BE involved in such matters. Every time she touts her experience in these areas, she confesses just how involved she was (both in full view, and behind the scenes) in matters she never should have been let anywhere near.

What un-elected “official” would take up the mantle of foreign policy or universal socialist healthcare in a Hillary Clinton presidency this time? Chelsea maybe?

The word on the street over at Slate.com is that B. Hussein Obama is wearing his American flag lapel pin. I know that it had long been absent as a part of his wardrobe. I'm taking the writers word for it, that he has been wearing it more often than before. I don't watch very much of Barack's speeches. I have heard more than enough of them to know were he stands, and I generally move on quickly when he (or Hillary) take the microphone.

I did find some common ground with Marjorie Valburn (at theroot.com) who wrote the article.Says Marjorie to Obama and/or his campaign:

"Is this how your handlers suggest you signal to voters who question your love for this country that you really, really, really, do love America? I hope not, because all it does is reinforce your doubters' suspicions that your positions are fluid and politically expedient, and it confuses your supporters who believe that you are a man of strong principles. If you're not careful, "change we can believe in" is going to take on an entirely new meaning."

She's right, from a campaign standpoint. Even if some mystical event has transpired that would make Barack believe it's Ok to wear his lapel pin again (can't imagine what that would be) to do so now would only open up an old issue for him, and remind some people why they don't like him -- or worse give a new reason not to like him for some who were truly undecided.

If the article is true, this is such an elementary political blunder, it's mind-boggling. I find it hard to believe that his campaign managers or other handlers let him wear it. Then again, maybe it shows how much he listens to his campaign advisers.

While arguing with, ok, making fun of, liberals on AOL, I saw this one commenter post this outstanding statement:

Calmal704:The simpleton view of the war on terror: It's all about getting Bin Laden, nothing more. It shouldn't involve changing the culture of chaos and death in the Middle East that breeds terrorism.What morons

Witin minutes of President Bush's remarks concerning negotiations with terrorists, the gang of usual suspects were on the podiums, the radio shows, and the TV with rants and raves about the President's comments. Well, as my grandmother always said, "It's the scalded dog that yelps first."The President can say whatever he likes, whenever and wherever he chooses. Thats his job. A country that has battled islamist nutjobs for 60 years and refuses to negotiate with extremists is probably the best place to remind us that the enemy we face views negotiation as a sign of weakness and has stated repeatedly they will lie to further their twisted view of religion and their ultimate goal of world domination. Why negotiate with anyone you know is lying?

The Chinook sabotage in Pennsylvania is a serious matter. Given the propensity of the nutjobs in the anti-war movement in Philadelphia to resort to violence against Americans standing up for our military, as an investigator, the first place I'd be looking is the membership rolls of the Veterans for Peace and the VVAW to see if any of these so called peace protestors work in that plant or have contacts that do. Of course, we can't rule out the isolated islamist nutjob whacko either.

Debbie Lee, mother of Marc Alan Lee, has written a scorching essay on the failure of the dhimmicrat congress to pass the funding bill for Iraq and Afghanistan. The piece is posted here, and wherever else it needs to be posted to get the message out.

Military helicopters vandalized in Pennsylvania, recruiting offices attacked in over 42 cities, funding denied for our troops, Code Pink sending 600,00.00 to the enemy. How many more treasonous acts need to occur before we stand up and say enough is enough? Spineless, gutless, Politicians who are using our troops as pawns in their political power struggle playground repulses and disgusts me. They are willing to jeopardize and put our troops in the crosshairs of the terrorists by there lack in funding our troops. They are more concerned with getting their own way and proving who is in charge of Congress instead of allowing every Senator and representative to be part of the process on the Hill. They by passed the appropriations Committee and didn't allow the Republicans to be part of a serious matter like funding our troops. I'm sure you could hear them loudly singing a very prideful rendition of "I did it my way." I'm sure the troops, including my son who gave up their lives, would love to have done it their way. They knew the attacks on our nation on 9-11 required that the right way was to fight for our freedoms and defend America. In the most unselfish act any American could give they sacrificed their own lives for the freedoms of a nation, for you, for me. They gave their tomorrows, their futures, so that we could have our today. Everyone of our brave men and women serving know that the same price could be required of them too.What did the leadership on Capitol Hill do with their today? What gratitude did our liberal politicians show them? They yank their funding and play political suicide with the funding bill by attaching the ag amnesty bill to it. What kind of games are they playing with our the lives of our brave men and women serving? Yet they'll be the first to say they "Support our Troops." It's time for us to reclaim America and clean house from the self-centered egotistical politicians who have lost there love for America. Our Founding Father's would rise up from their graves if they could to smack some sense into these politicians to get them to remember the basic principles this nation was founded on. Certain members of Congress are acting like jealous children fighting to get the most attention. I have had it with the traitors in America who continue to do acts that are Anti-American and are destroying our Nation. It's time we hold them accountable and prosecute them for their treasonous acts. We have become a nation that is so tolerant of everything, that we stand for nothing. We have become a spineless nation with no moral compass to direct us to make wise and selfless decisions. We are so myopic and "me" focused that we can't see we are handing this nation to our enemies on a platter. It is time for us as Americans to flood the switchboards of Capitol Hill with our demands to fund our troops. Congress must prepare a clean bill with the involvement of both parties and through the proper channels. We also need to demand that strong measures be taken to arrest and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who are committing acts of treason during a time of war by inciting lawless actions. Your today has been paid for by those who gave up their tomorrows. What will you do with your today to honor those who gave it all?

Thursday, May 15, 2008

"John McCain appeals to almost all Republicans. He also appeals to a wide array of independents and conservative Democrats."

What freaking Republicans are those? When you lose 30% of the vote in already decided primaries, you are not a popular guy.

Rep. Tom Cole, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said Democrats have succeeded in running conservativesimmune to being tied to the national Democratic Party. He said the solution for Republicans is to work with Mr. McCain to define a new agenda.

A new agenda would be RUNNING AS A CONSERVATIVE, YOU IDIOTS! SEE HOW THE DEMOCRATS DID IT? DO THAT!

"Candidates who hope to succeed must show that they're willing and able to join McCain in a leading movement for reform," House Minority Leader John Boehner, Ohio Republican, said in the wake of Democrat Travis Childer's victory in Mississippi's first congressional district — a seat that had been firmly Republican. In other words, if you don't toe the line, you won't get any help. Guys? What the hell has John McCain ever done for you or the party? If he wants to run as a liberal maverick, let him win it on his own. I'm not sending money or support. He'll be lucky if he gets my vote.

But it is precisely that independent streak that is drawing Republicans to his coattails, hoping he can cleanse them of the stain of gridlocked Washington. Again, what coattails? Cleanse them of a stain of gridlock? Republicans LOVE GRIDLOCK IF IT DEFEATS THE LIBERAL PURPOSES!

Eric Cantor, Republican chief deputy whip in the House of Representatives, told reporters that the McCain brand was healthier than that of his party. Of course its healthier. But, you can consider a leper healthier than the poor bastard dying of the plague. The GOP has shot ITSELF in the head by being LIBERAL, CORRUPT, SPENDTHRIFTS. McCain is popular with the press and "independents." The GOP has NEVER been popular with the press.

"John McCain is a demonstrated vote getter among independents, and his message and what he will be able to do in this election is extremely important." In other words, he can't depend on Republicans to vote for him. What was that about attracting Republicans? C'mon Eric, show some Virginia spine. Stand up for conservatives! You know, the ONES THAT PUT YOU IN OFFICE!

House Republican minority leader John Boehner told Fox News that with McCain at the top of the ticket, his demoralized party might spring a surprise in November. With our luck, he'll pick a Democratic VP.....

"I think that we're going to do a lot better than people think," Boehner said. Better than FUBAR? That's an easy one.

To use a military term that Senator McCain should be familiar with....SNAFU

Look it up.

Oh, and to any actual politicians that want to reply, go ahead and leave a comment

I understand that he is friends with John McCain. I understand that he believes, as many do, that we must unite behind the GOP candidate for the good of the country because the Democratic Party candidates are so horrible. His endorsement of John McCain was, admittedly, weak:

"This is no longer about past preferences or differences. It is about what is best for our country and for me that means that Republican should close ranks behind John McCain," Thompson said in a statement reported by the Associated Press.

He did NOT say that McCain was the best candidate of the the race....

That said, having endorsed McCain, the Republican candidate most despised by the GOP, how can he say this(emphasis mine):

"Our nation has some serious issues to work through for today … and for the next generation. Now isn’t the time for conservatives to be looking for a tailored message or a politically expedient route to victory if the end result is going to be the inevitable slide toward the liberalization and secularization of America, and the growth of government and loss of freedom that inevitably ensues. For us conservatives it must be about principles and policies that are grounded in freedom, free markets and the rule of law."

If McCain is not the embodiment of a tailored, expedient politician, then, who is? (Other than the Dems)If Fred truly believes his own statement, he needs to get busy, get involved with the campaign, and use whatever influence his supposed friendship gives him to attempt to rein in John McCain.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

I had this earlier this week, lost it, and Michelle jumped on it.Since we've promoted JD Johannes "Outside the Wire" on this site and other sites, it makes sense to tell you about this.

From Michelle's blog:

An awesome event kicks off in Washington, D.C. today. It’s the GI Film Festival, honoring the successes and sacrifices of the American G.I. They’ve got an excellent line-up of documentaries, debuts, panels, celebrities, and most importantly, militaryheroes. If you have a chance, go.A few highlights:On Friday, my friends David Chavarria and JD Johannes debut Outside The Wire: Danger Close.

Vets for Freedom urges Senate members to work together to pass a GI Bill that not only addresses the immediate need for increased financial and educational benefits, but that also takes into account the unique dynamics of today’s all-volunteer force. The US military is working hard to increase its ranks in order to meet strategic needs across the globe; and as a result, it is imperative that recruitment and retention are both addressed as part of any GI Bill.

The Webb Bill correctly recognizes the rising costs of secondary education, and the importance of pegging yearly benefit increases to educational inflation indices, rather than the Consumer Price Index, which would require Congress to revisit the issue in a few years. The Webb Bill also allows for the accrual of Active Duty benefits for Reservists and National Guardsmen, many of which have seen repeated deployments.

On the other hand, the McCain-Graham Bill substantially increases monthly educational benefits and could be implemented immediately; while the Webb Bill would take over a year to implement and would require a new layer of Pentagon bureaucracy. The McCain-Graham Bill also rewards troops who remain in the military, providing strong incentives for our best and brightest to continue their service and support a growing force. "Both the Webb and McCain-Graham bills have valuable aspects that address the needs of our military and our men and women in uniform." said Pete Hegseth, Executive Director of Vets for Freedom. "Vets for Freedom trusts that those involved will work toward a compromise to integrate the best aspects of both bills, and ensure its passage and implementation in a timely manner.

"Vets for Freedom is a nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its mission is to educate the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts by applying our first-hand knowledge to issues of American military strategy. For more information, please visit www.vetsforfreedom.org.

The crisis du jour is the transportation "crisis." Gov. Kaine wants to raise taxes for more the transportation fund. Its being said that the lack of funds will cause our road network to fall apart.

Of course, cutting spending in other places is never mentioned. By either party. Apparently we only have one party actually in place in the Capitol. Once they get in office, the politicians seem to join the "tax and spend party."

Well, here's an idea that will solve more than one problem, depending on who has the authority to allow it. If the Governor is the authority, he should allow it. If we need the federal gov't to allow it, the Governor should petition for it.

Open up our coastal waters for oil and gas exploration and development.

Oh, no! The environment will be destroyed!

Nope. Lousiana and Texas allows oil development and those stated are RENOWNED for their fisheries and wildlife.

What brought this to mind was an editorial in the Washington Times (can't find it online) praising the comeback of the Crescent City. In this DEMOCRATIC STATE, even though Gov. Jindal is a Republican, with all of the recovery expenses, they are thinking of phasing out the state income tax. Are we saying that our road MAINTENANCE is more urgent and expensive than the rebuilding of southern Lousiana? And Richmond should keep an eye on New Orleans' tryout of school vouchers.

(emphasis mine)Mr. Jindal scrapped a business-utilities tax and accelerated the repeal of manufacturing-equipment and business-debt levies. A seemingly sympathetic legislature is weighing a 10-year phaseout of state income taxes. While some fret that revenues will winnow, Mr. Jindal says he would approve such radical tax relief, if lawmakers identify matching spending reductions. Supply-side growth and resulting revenues, of course, could replenish state coffers. Offshore oil royalties also are gushing in, making tax cuts more "affordable."

(I thought this was relevant with all this talk of race in the air because of the Democratic nomination contest.)

Why does it appear, that you are a minority within black America? I suspect you are not as much a minority as it may seem, but yet very few black Americans stand up and shout like this. My wife does, I have a few friends that do... but by and large it doesn't happen. Why? Grumpy

I think that it is just a stigmatism that has been put on anything Republican and/or conservative in the black community.

The far left has been in control of politics in the black community for over three decades now, and they have associated anything that is not liberal with racism, sexism, homo-phobia, greed, and "bible-thumping." The last is particularly ironic, since there is no shortage of new churches being built in black communities.

I am seeing more signs that this is ready to change but it takes a high-profile action that garners attention and gets mass media time to bring up the needed conversation. Once that happens, more people will begin to talk honestly about how they feel on social issues and they will begin to see how conservative the black community really is, and will begin to act accordingly (once the liberal guilt-pushing is removed.)

The earliest case of this is what happened when Bill Cosby spoke his mind about issues with hip-hop culture and lax social standards in the black community. He was, at first, slapped down by the black left wing for "airing our dirty laundry" in front of whites, but the MAJORITY of blacks who listened to him APPLAUDED HIM. Soon, his comments got so much momentum (and it was the truth, mind you) even black liberals were forced to acknowledge he was right.

It CAN be done, but it is going to take someone well respected in the community who is not afraid of criticism and is willing to stick to the truth when the left wing comes in to destroy him/her for their viewpoint.

Over at Counterpunch, Andrew Cockburn shows that at least some Democrats support the war on terror, even though they don't sound like it:...President Bush signed a secret finding authorizing a covert offensive against the Iranian regime that, according to those familiar with its contents, "unprecedented in its scope." All this costs money, which in turn must be authorized by Congress, or at least a by few witting members of the intelligence committees. That has not proved a problem.(My problem with this, that I feel I should emphasize, is: If this is a SECRET finding, how does this guy know? There is no source. And his writing history shows a distinct anti-Bush admin lean. But, if true, GREAT!)Information Dissemination has an OUTSTANDING timeline putting this all together: with a link to theory behind it at Stratfor.

And to top it all off, Iraq is finally confronting Iran about its interference in Iraqi affairs. By Omar Fadhil, PJM Baghdad editor. His own blog is Iraq The Model.

"The message is quite clear and simple. Baghdad sent a delegation last week to ask Iran to stop the flow of weapons and support to Shia militias. When the delegation returned empty-handed, the government immediately announced through spokesman Ali Dabbagh that it will work to collect and display evidence of this support. A day later the conversation escalated with the above statements. The question is: is Iran going to respond reasonably or is it going to keep denying its involvement in the crime? And if it does, I wonder what the next escalation in the conversation is going to look like."

"There hasn't been a new oil refinery built for 30 years!" True.....sort of.

A more accurate phrase would be, "There hasn't been a new oil refinery built for 30 years, but we've been expanding the old ones...."

Motiva Port Arthur Refinery to Become Largest Refinery in United States21 Sep 2007

Final investment decision made on plans to expand refinery to 600,000 barrels per day

Motiva Enterprises LLC announced today that its owners authorized the company to proceed with a 325,000 barrel-per-day (b/d) capacity expansion at its Port Arthur, Texas refinery. The expansion will increase the refinery’s crude oil throughput capacity to 600,000 b/d, making it the largest refinery in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world.

"The expansion is designed to strengthen our nation’s supply of gasoline, diesel, aviation fuels and high quality base oils," said William B. Welte, Motiva President and Chief Executive Officer. "As the demand for a variety of fuels continues to grow, Motiva is committed to being the supplier of choice in the eastern and southern U.S. for conventional fuels as well as biofuels."

The 325,000 b/d expansion at Port Arthur is equivalent to building the first new refinery in the U.S. in more than 30 years. The new production capacity is expected to be online in 2010 and will increase Motiva’s supply of Shell-branded fuels to the company’s wholesale and direct supply markets.

Motiva’s expansion will lower most types of emissions from refinery operations on a per barrel basis by utilizing advanced technology in all new system installations and replacing existing systems. The expansion of the refinery will decrease emissions from present day levels for ozone precursors, specifically nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

Did you see that key phrase, "decrease emissions...?" Why won't the environmentalists let us build modern clean facilities? They must secretly hate the earth!

My fellow Louisianan at Mostly Cajun, All American and Opinionated (that could be me....) has this interesting observation:"To anyone outside the petrochemical world that old “There hasn’t been a new oil refinery built in the US for thirty years” statement is almost laughable, because EVERY refinery I know of (and I know some major players here on the central Gulf Coast) has INCREASED capacity in the past thirty years. YOUR Federal and state governments have made it very difficult to start from scratch. They’re doing a great job of making it difficult to expand existing plants. But people who process oil are in the business to make money and they want to make it processing oil. So when you pay four bucks a gallon at the pumps, think of the refiner’s bills to pay legal and environmental staffs seven figures to fill out paperwork and jump through hoops to build, expand, or just keep on running."

Now, how much expansion do you think will happen when Hillary takes an extra $10 Billion away from those "eeeeevviiil" oil companies.

The best part:

The expansion is projected to generate more than 4,500 construction jobs and about 300 new full-time jobs upon completion. Motiva is working with the Texas Work Force Commission, Southeast Texas Workforce Development Board, Lamar State College – Port Arthur, represented work groups, vocational institutions and local school systems to recruit and train qualified members of the workforce to take full advantage of the job opportunities. Many local sub-contractors have already been hired for the project.

"And those are NOT minimum wage jobs, folks. Thousands of people have lived good lives and raised families, built lives and communities around these facilities. I know. I’m one."

Aren't the Democrats the party of the "working man?" How many jobs will be lost to government taxation under the Democrats energy plan?

The United States Senate refused to ratify the Kyoto Treaty. It was dead BEFORE arrival. President Clinton, seeing the writing on the wall, did not submit the treaty. Senator McCain was a member of that august body. So, if the Kyoto treaty was bad for America then, why is it such a good idea now, Senator McCain?

The Kyoto Treaty advocated reduced "greenhouse" gas emissions to a certain level below the 1990 levels. Kyoto is a 'cap and trade' system that imposes national caps on the emissions of Annex I countries. On average, this cap requires countries to reduce their emissions 5.2% below their 1990 baseline over the 2008 to 2012 period. Kyoto created a framework and a set of rules for a global carbon market, there are in practice several distinct schemes or markets in operation today, with varying degrees of linkages among them. (And we know how Al Gore made out from that. There's noooo chance of fraud in this scheme.....)

Now here's McCain's take:(sound familiar?) "I will not shirk the mantle of leadership that the United States bears. I will not permit eight long years to pass without serious action on serious challenges. I will not accept the same dead-end of failed diplomacy that claimed Kyoto.(Uh, weren't YOU a Senator that refused to ratify? And what's with this "8 years" crap? Clinton is the one that didn't submit it. Still crapping on your own side to look like one of the cool kids, again....)

McCain's major solution is to implement a cap-and-trade program on carbon-fuel emissions, like a similar program in the Clean Air Act that was used to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions that triggered acid rain.Industries would be given emission targets, and those coming in under their limit could sell their surplus polluting capacity to companies unable to meet their target.McCain wants the country to return to 2005 emission levels by 2012; 1990 levels by 2020; and to a level sixty percent below that by 2050.

"As never before, the market would reward any person or company that seeks to invent, improve, or acquire alternatives to carbon-based energy," he said. "More likely, however, there will be some companies that need extra emissions rights, and they will be able to buy them.(Al Gore must be insane with glee......)More McCain Wisdom:“We have many advantages in the fight against global warming, but time is not one of them. Instead of idly debating the precise extent of global warming, or the precise timeline of global warming, we need to deal with the central facts of rising temperatures, rising waters, and all the endless troubles that global warming will bring.”

“We know that greenhouse gasses are heavily implicated as a cause of climate change. And we know that among all greenhouse gasses, the worst by far is the carbon-dioxide that results from fossil-fuel combustion.” (Apparently he hasn't heard the latest: that the world is entering a cooling period, there is record snow fall and ice coverage, and that CO2 IS NOT the most effective "green house gas", but water vapor is. Idiot)

The worst part is this: McCain has long expressed a belief in global warming, arguing that even if he is wrong, acting as if the planet's temperature were increasing would only benefit the environment if scientists subsequently proved he was mistaken.(So in other words, "its ok if I destroy the economy on a flawed theory and junk science because I think it will make the environment better."

Our policy recommendation is to phase out natural gas (methane) for electric power generation (now about 20% in US and 40% in UK), replace it with coal/nuclear, and use gas as a clean transportation fuel (in the form of Compressed Natural Gas -- CNG) for buses, trucks, and all fleet vehicles. In the US case it would cut oil imports by 30%. Further cuts would come from the use of plug-in and hybrid-electric cars.

I'm wrong. The worst part is that McCain is STILL the more "conservative" of the three main candidates.......

The statement today by Senator Dick "The Turban" Durbin that "we can't drill our way out of this..." is partially true. If we don't have the refinery capacity to produce the gasoline from the crude oil, that statement is true. I don't care how much crude oil you pull out of the ground, if you can't refine it into gasoline, you may as well leave it in the ground. We have not seen a new refinery built in 30+ years. You can thank the Turban and his enviro-nazi wackos for that. The propensity for the extreme left to dictate economic policy that puts mainstream Amercians in a budget busting situation by increasing the price of everything we use is well documented. Looking back, you'd think they'd planned it that way.Dr. Thomas Sowell has a piece today that puts this in perspective. Here are a few observations from one of the smartest men I've ever read:

If corporate "greed" is the explanation for high gasoline prices, why are the government's taxes not an even bigger sign of "greed" on the part of politicians-- since taxes add more to the price of gasoline than oil company profits do?Whatever the merits or demerits of Senator John McCain's proposal to temporarily suspend the federal taxes on gasoline, it would certainly lower the price more than confiscating all the oil companies' profits. But it would not be as emotionally satisfying.Senator Barack Obama clearly understands people's emotional needs and how to meet them. He wants to raise taxes on oil companies. How that will get us more oil or lower the price of gasoline is a problem that can be left for economists to puzzle over. A politician's problem is how to get more votes-- and one of the most effective ways of doing that is to be a hero who will save us from the villains.While economists are talking supply and demand, politicians are talking compassion, "change" and being on the side of the angels-- and against drilling for our own oil.Has any economist ever attracted the kinds of cheering crowds that Barack Obama has-- or even the crowds attracted by Hillary Clinton or John McCain?If you want cheering crowds, don't bother to study economics. It will only hold you back. Tell people what they want to hear-- and they don't want to hear about supply and demand.No, supply and demand is not too "complex." It is just not very emotionally satisfying

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Not many times do I get to declare a Rush Limbaugh-style "see-I-told-you-so," so I'm going to savor this one. Many moths ago I told you that Hillary will not be taking a VP slot to Obama because of 2 factors:

1. Hillary would never settle for second place, and2. Michelle Obama is not going to have Hillary around. She is the VP, (continuing a Democrat tradition, maybe, hmm. Wonder who started that?)

"Close-in supporters of Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign are convinced he never will offer the vice presidential nomination to Sen. Hillary Clinton for one overriding reason: Michelle Obama."

Sometimes, it's great to be me.

As I said back then -- and took a lot of flack for it -- the primary reason that Hillary as VP would never happen is Michelle Obama. Michelle is a black woman, and no black woman that I know of is going to take the "queen bee" syndrome that Hillary would have as president or VP. Black women are territorial in one of the strongest ways, and Barack is Michelles' territory. Michelle is going to establish herself as Barack's most trusted confidant and will wield the power of Barack's presidency. In a "Michelle-presidency", Hillary's role as VP will be funerals, and "other duties as assigned" and NO CLINTON is going to go for that. And if Mrs Clinton tries one of her tantrums, we will find out just how big of a punch she can take -- and I mean that literally.

Trust me, I have been married to two of them, and dated more than that.Add that to our current knowledge of Michelle's "black power" streak running through her, and that Mrs. Clinton has already set the precedent for the Presidents' wife holding policy power in the White House, and you have a recipie for World War 3 right here on our own soil.

I pity the true Barack VP, whoever it is. Michelle will be VP/Co-president, and whoever the guy is that will hold the office of VP, he will find himself put in his place real quick.

It is a pleasure and a privilege to blog on this site with you.update by Cargosquid(and the only better birthday present was the birth of little Squidette....whose birthday is one day before mine. She turns 8 on the 13th.)

Since its there for the taking, why doesn't the press ever put THIS on the TV? They're always asking if they can put pictures of dead Americans on the tube. I thought that the press wanted to show the real war.

Seeing as that Romney and Thompson were popular (well, Thompson was popular among bloggers, if not voters), would you consider their supporters as the more extreme?

McCain got the nod because of many liberal cross over votes. I do believe that conservative politicians are now in the minority. And so, more democrats will win. If McCain can't win against Tweedledum and Tweedledee, then we don't deserve to win. We chose the candidate....Perhaps I'll vote for him. Like Kim du Toit says....I love my country more than I hate McCain.You go to war with the army you have, and McCain is our army in the war against the liberals.

I wanted to comment over at your site, but, comments were restricted to team members.

Suppose John McCain becomes president next January.Suppose Iran is still training special hit squads to enter Iraq to kill our troops? The stated purpose of this tactic is to keep adding to the American casualty count as the Iraqi Army gets better at its job, with Iran hoping the US will leave before the Iraqis are capable of holding their own.I ask about McCain because he apparently is the only presidential candidate who has plans to smoke Iran if necessary, offering neither remorse nor apologies.It is an important question because Iran is acknowledged by just about every thinking person in our solar system to be instigating the violence against us in Iraq, with the ultimate goal of forcing us out of the region, obliterating Israel and eventually ruling the entire Middle East.

What does this mean? Will the Unknown Comic's identity finally be revealed? Will Gene, Gene The Dancing Machine end up on Celebrity Dancing? And will the panel of judges ever be the equal of the originals? Bring back Jaye P. Morgan! I don't care if she's 78!

And this time on cable. Just think of the depravity...oh, wait, that's the Democratic nomination race...

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

In March 2008, the anti-war organization Iraq Veterans Against the War held an event entitled Winter Soldier-Iraq and Afghanistan at the National Labor College in Silver Spring, MD. The event was self-consciously patterned after the 1971 Winter Soldier Investigation held in Detroit by the Vietnam Veterans Against the War(VVAW). During that event, over one hundred purported Vietnam veterans "testified" to widespread and horrific atrocities committed routinely by American forces in Vietnam.

....the general theme of the 1971 Winter Soldier Investigation of widespread atrocities committed by American forces in Vietnam passed largely unchallenged into much of our culture. It has been a mainstay of the film industry for decades. It has harmed the image of America in general, and the honor of three million Vietnam Veterans in particular.

Various sources on the Internet and in print, including the IVAW, the VVAW and the Veterans for Peace as well as other organizations associated with them claimed that "testimony" given in March covered a variety of matters including widespread atrocities, indiscriminate and unwarranted killing of civilians and destruction of property and infrastructure, torture of detainees, mutilation of corpses and the illegal use of Afghan bodies for medical "practice", rampant sexual misconduct, racism and drug/alcohol use by American soldiers and on and on. IVAW is now reporting that they will provide the results of their investigation to your caucus on May 15, 2008. We the undersigned request that the Congressional Progressive Caucus take the following steps:

* Make request of the Iraq Veterans Against the War that member(s) of the Caucus be provided video of the entire Winter Soldier Investigation testimony proceedings and be provided access to all those who testified,*That the Caucus require any testimony given by IVAW be presented in the following format:D: Date(s) - When did the incident occur?U: Unit(s) - What military units were involved?P: Personnel - What are the names of the participants and witnesses?E: Event(s) - What exactly happened exactly where?S: Signature(s) - Was this reported at the time or later and were reports, affidavits or depositions signed, or will they now be signed?* That in the event that staff determines that there has been testimony given that touches on areas where, in the words of Senator Warner, the members of the SASC "have a responsibility to establish where in the military chain of command rests the 'accountability,' depending of course, on the accuracy of the facts", the Caucus forward the information to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC),* That the Caucus request and all documents and records, signed statements and recordings, audio, video or digital, that bear on the claims made and being investigated,* That the Caucus demand that those making such claims or professing publicly to verify those claims be requested or subpoened to appear before the HASC under oath, to answer questions.

In 1971 the Senate of the United States was derelict in its duty of both oversight and follow-up and in the reasonable regard and respect it should have shown in consideration of the sacrifice and service of the American armed forces and veterans. We request that the members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus not allow what happened to a previous generation of veterans be allowed to happen to this generation of Warriors.

Thats what we want, right? I mean, lets face it, we flip a switch, a light comes on. We put steaks in the freezer, they stay frozen until we're ready to throw them on the grill. We turn on a faucet, hot water for showers comes flowing out.None of that will happen without electricity. The first component of a civilized society is a continous source of clean water. The second component is electricty.We need it, we've become accustomed to having it; and when its not there, well, we all remember September 2003. I went wihout power for 16 days, and finally spent the money for a generator.But how to generate that power without incurring the wrath of the enviro-nazis and the Sierra Club?Don't mention nuclear power. That will get you a tirade on spent fuel rods, storage, 3 Mile Island and Chernobyl.Hydro? Very clean, but not everyone has a free running stream to tap, and you have all those snail darters and newts to worry about.The best way to generate power is to use coal and water. Coal fired boilers and steam turbines.But wait a minute. What about all that coal smoke and the ash? What about the srtip mines and Peabody's coal train?

Well, Dominion Resources (thats VEPCO to you old folks) has built the latest in clean coal fired technology down here at Dutch Gap and it is now up and running and it is simply remarkable.

Limestone and water, mixed into a slurry, is injected at a certain point in the combustion process. The result is a plume at the top of the stack which is 100% water vapor. Particulants are measured at 15 ppm, and it will get better as the system adjusts itself.

Take a look at the image below. That white cloud over the chimney is exactly that: a white cloud. It's water vapor. Steam. It vanishes as it moves syward. A still shot really doesn't do this justice, so I'll get some video to show the evaporation as the plume rises, as soon as I can.

The by-product of this process is gypsum, used to make sheetrock and a dozen other products.The coal ash is processed and stockpiled, or sold to cement manufacturers for use in concrete.Thats flyash. The second best thing to happen to concrete.Dominion Resources is working night and day to provide us with clean electricty. I have been a part of this project for over two years. It works. It's clean.All you global warming enviro-whackos can now STFU.You're welcome

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

You know, I get tired of hearing about how much this war is costing us. I believe the going figure right now is about $600 billion since 2003. While not a small number by any calculation, let’s look at some other numbers for context.9/11 cost our country over $1 trillion dollars in damage and the resulting tax cuts to bring the nation back to its feet. In a few short days, Americans lost billions as the stock market plunged. Insurance companies paid out at least $19.6 billion in payments. Government payments total nearly $15.8 billion. In total, 9/11 victims and their survivors received over $38 Billion for what the terrorists did. Al Qaeda didn’t pay this bill.

It is estimated that the 9/11 attacks cost Al Qaeda approximately $500,000 to execute. Businesses in New York City, particularly in lower Manhattan near the World Trade Center, have received $23.3 billion in compensation for property damage, disrupted operations, and economic incentives, according to the Rand Institute.

Illegal immigration in this country costs over $338 billion per year. Since 2003, we’ve spent over $2 trillion on this money pit. $66 billion to $132 billion in six years on welfare for illegal aliens. Over $13 billion on food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens. About $15 billion on Medicare for illegal aliens. Over $100 billion was spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies. About $72 billion to send them to school even though they can’t speak or understand our language - add in the cost of hiring bilingual teachers and ESL programs.

According to CNN, over $3 million PER DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens (over $6 trillion in six years)!! $600 billion sounds like the least of our worries in this country.

Maybe we should recognize that figure for what it is - an investment in a secure future for millions of Americans and Middle Easterners!

Monday, May 05, 2008

for America's Favorite Mom. Blackfive has the post up but you can click here and vote for Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldier's Angels. Just do it. Trust me, you'll feel better.

In other news:I received a message from my adopted son in Iraq this morning. Gathering of Eagles has been covering him up with letters and mesages of support. He got the two CARE packages I sent. He is upbeat, tired and was very happy to get the 80 pounds of beef jerky I sent. (Just kidding about the 80 pounds. It was actually only 10 pounds.)

Personal news:I wasn't going to blog this until I actually had my first introduction, but it's so good I have to share just a little bit. I am now OFFICIALLY a grandfather.For those of you curious, Ashleigh Jordan, AJ to her friends, is a delightful 7 year old with a penchant for magic and the ability to collect large sums of money for the American Cancer Society. Her mother, my daughter, is fantastic. I'll elaborate when I return from Phoenix after Memorial Weekend. Yes, there is a road trip in my immediate future.Of course, while I'm there, I will visit with some our friends, like Modern Conservatives' Chris Cook and a few others I have been electronically connected to. Should be a fun weekend in the Southwest.

Don't forget to drop by The Talon and read the latest from my buddy Rurick.

While some of us were in our bunks at nightThis sailor stood the watch

While some of us were in school learning our tradeThis shipmate stood the watch

Yes.. even before some of us were born into this worldThis shipmate stood the watch

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of historyThis shipmate stood the watch

Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing thereNeeding his guidance and helpNeeding that hand to hold during those hard timesBut he still stood the watch

He stood the watch for twenty yearsHe stood the watch so that we, our families andOur fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, Each and every nightKnowing that a sailor stood the watch

Today we are here to say'Shipmate... the watch stands relievedRelieved by those You have trained ,Guided, and Lead Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."

"Boatswain..Standby to pipe the side...Shipmate's going Ashore.."

In April of 1983, a young man went to sea. He went for adventure, for patriotism, and for a job. And for 25 years, Active and Reserve, he has had a wonderful time. That man is me. Today is my last day of service in the best Navy of the greatest country in the world, for tomorrow I will be a civilian. I will be A retired Reservist.

I have seen, and been a part of, history, being made. I've met heroes and, well, others. I've met admirals, generals, and Presidents. I have hugged a First Lady. I stood in ranks as one President was replaced by another, and listened to the cheers of Marines when I told them that the new President had been sworn into office.

I have traveled all over the world, over 15 countries and territories, through every sea except the poles. I have met people from every country in the world. I've had beer in countries as varied as Ireland and Qatar, Kobe Beef in Okinawa, and the best chinese food I've ever eaten in ...France.

Some of the greatest memories one could ever have. I see the coral reefs and the togas of Diego Garcia (don't ask). I see the deserts of Kuwait. I see the green of Ireland from our stop on the way home. I remember the sound of my squadron taking off; the hawks dodging the P-3 Orions as my squadron conducted ops. I see the ocean from the deck of my ship, USS El Paso, the dolphins, and the flying fish. And the glorious stars that can only be seen at sea. I remember the crowds of Hong Kong. I remember the mountains and Sequoias in California. And finally, I remember meeting my wife, for the Navy is what brought me to Virginia.

The people with whom I have served are the finest people in the world. I am proud to have known every single one of them. I salute them.

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